1,000 gifts donated in time for Christmas

An estimated 1,094 presents have been given to struggling families in the local area, thanks to the generosity of our travel customers and colleagues.

Holidaymakers donated £1 to Travel’s Toy Bank when booking their break, raising £7,422 throughout the year.

These funds were used to buy gifts for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may otherwise not receive anything at Christmas.

Throughout November, the society’s travel branches accepted donations of gifts and toys.

Items are varied to suit ages 0-16 and include toiletries, cuddly toys, and gadgets and toiletries for older children.

Volunteers gathered in Horncastle Community Centre to ensure that all the presents were wrapped and ready for local charity, Children’s Links, to distribute.

Linzi Elliott, Deputy CEO at Children’s Links, said: “Thanks to Lincolnshire Co-op for working with Children’s Links. Your support and generosity allowed us to gift toys and games to children that may not have had anything on Christmas Day”.

“It was heart-warming to see the excitement on the families faces when they received the wonderful gifts. Lincolnshire Co-op’s Travel Toy Bank scheme helped us to improve the lives of vulnerable children at a special time of year.”

Families facing difficulty were able to receive gifts through a total of 13 local groups and charities across Lincolnshire Co-op’s trading area.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Travel Group Manager Wayne Dennett said: “It's fantastic to see our customers and colleagues come together to ensure that every child in the local area was able to open a present this Christmas.

“Whether you donated £1 when booking your holiday, bought in a gift to a travel branch, or gave your time to wrap presents, you have contributed to something amazing.”